Many of us talked at conferences about "beyond the text" comprehension questions. This is a big focus right now in class. I thought I would post a list of some general questions you can ask your child while reading together that would fall in this category. That way, you can use them if you see fit! The list below is split into fiction and non fiction questions. Some may appear in both lists.
FICTION:
How does this story make you feel?
What genre is the book? How do you know?
Is this book a good example this genre? Why?
Can you think of another book this reminds you of in this genre?
How was this book like other books you have read in this genre?
What is your favorite illustration? Why did you choose it?
Why do you think the author chose this style of illustration?
What is the author's message in this book?
Do you think the author was trying to teach a lesson? What was it?
Why do you think the author wrote this text?
What are some interesting words, phrases, or sentences in this story?
Do any of the characters remind you of someone in your life? Tell about them.
Does this text remind you of any other text you've read?
Does this text remind you of something from real life or something that has happened to you?
Why do you think the author repeated the phrase (insert phrase here)/used the words (insert words)/included that (letters, poems, songs, etc.) in the text?
Tell something the author did to keep you interested while you read.
NONFICTION
What questions does this text make you think of?
What genre is the book? How do you know?
Is this book a good example this genre? Why?
Can you think of another book this reminds you of in this genre?
How was this book like other books you have read in this genre?
Tell something the author did to keep you interested while you read.
Why do you think the author chose to write this book?
What is the author's message in this text?
Why is this topic important for people to learn about?
Tell about the headings in this text. Why are they included and what do you learn from them?
Tell about the diagram(s) in this text. Why are they included and what do you learn from them?
Does this text remind you of any other text you've read?
Does this text remind you of something from real life or something that has happened to you?
Would you like to learn more about this topic? Why or why not?